Ponting joins Australian coaching staff for England tour

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has joined the Australian coaching staff for the side’s five one-day internationals and one Twenty20 international game against England in June.

Ponting joins former team mate Justin Langer, who was appointed coach of the team on a four-year term after Darren Lehmann resigned in the wake of a ball-tampering scandal in March.

“Ricky is one of the greats of the game, and since he was already in England doing some commentary we saw it as a great opportunity to have him join our team for this important series,” Langer said in a statement.

Ponting has served as assistant coach for the T20 side twice before, against Sri Lanka in 2017 and for the tri-series against New Zealand and England earlier this year.

He was also head coach of the Delhi Daredevils side in the Indian Premier League this year.

“Ricky’s knowledge of the game is second-to-none, and we know that his experiences, tactical expertise and leadership will be invaluable for this group,” Langer added.

The three-times World Cup winner will begin his assignment on June 10, working around his commentary commitments.